New York Rangers Sign Chris Drury and Scott Gomez

Chris Drury beat the Rangers in the playoffs, now he joins them. (AP Images)

The New York Rangers needed to get offensive help for Jaromir Jagr. Not even the most cynical fan in the blue seats at Madison Square Garden could find fault with what the team did on Sunday, the opening day of the NHL's free-agent signing period.

The Rangers nabbed two of the most coveted players available on the open market. Centers Chris Drury and Scott Gomez, both Americans, joined the Broadway Blueshirts. Drury, who will be the locker-room leader the Rangers have missed since Mark Messier retired, inked a five-year deal worth $35.5 million. He was instrumental in eliminating the Rangers from this year's playoffs with a heroic performance in the second round. Gomez, who moves over from arch-rival New Jersey, signed for seven years at $51.5 million.

Other key player signings on Sunday included:

• Daniel Briere, C - No, it's not Montreal. The Quebec-born star is headed to Philadelphia, leaving Buffalo for an eight-year deal with the Flyers worth $52 million.
• Scott Hannan, D - Leaves San Jose for Colorado and a four-year deal worth $18 million.
• Jason Blake, LW - Leaves the Islanders to sign a four-year deal worth $20 million with Toronto.
• Brian Rafalski, D - Leaves New Jersey to sign with Detroit at five years and $30 million.
• Mathieu Schneider, D - Leaves Detroit for Anaheim for a two-year deal worth $11.25 million and may serve as a replacement for Scott Niedermayer, who is contemplating retirement.

In trade news, the Edmonton Oilers dealt defenceman Jason Smith and forward Joffrey Lupul to the Philadelpia Flyers for defenceman Joni Pitkanen, forward Geoff Sanderson and a third-round draft pick in 2009.

Here is a complete list of NHL free-agent moves to date. For the latest NHL odds for the 2007-08 season and all other sports betting odds, visit the Bodog Sportsbook.